Austria Wine
Explore Austria Wine: Wine Regions & Grape Varieties
Austria’s wine culture reflects centuries of tradition and a diverse range of terroirs across its 17 official winegrowing regions. From the steep terraces of the Wachau to the volcanic slopes of Styria and the sunny plains of Burgenland, Austrian wines offer distinct regional expressions.
We have spent considerable time researching Austrian wine to provide this comprehensive guide, helping you discover the country’s unique grape varieties, wine regions, and styles before you arrive.
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Wine Zones and Regions in Austria
Austria is divided into four major winegrowing zones encompassing 17 official wine regions (“Weinbaugebiete”). These zones produce a broad range of wines, particularly noted for white varieties. Austria’s DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) system regulates wine production to ensure high quality and regional typicity.
For an official overview of Austria’s major wine‑zones and growing regions, see the Austrian Wine Marketing Board’s guide to wine‑growing regions which details the 17 Weinbaugebiete and their characteristics.
Lower Austria
Niederösterreich
Lower Austria is the largest and most renowned winegrowing zone. Situated along the Danube and its tributaries, it is best known for producing high-quality white wines, especially Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
Key DAC subregions include:
Wachau DAC – UNESCO World Heritage terraces producing premium Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, categorized into Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd based on ripeness and alcohol.
Kremstal DAC – Elegant, mineral-driven Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines with fuller body.
Kamptal DAC – Structured Grüner Veltliner and refined Riesling, centered around Langenlois vineyards.
Traisental DAC – Small DAC known for fresh Grüner Veltliner and Riesling grown on limestone soils.
Wagram DAC – Loess soils yield full-bodied Grüner Veltliner and red varieties like Zweigelt.
Weinviertel DAC – Austria’s first DAC, famed for its signature peppery Grüner Veltliner, and the country’s largest wine region.
Carnuntum DAC – Produces bold reds like Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch, along with ripe whites.
Thermenregion – Historic region producing rare whites like Zierfandler and Rotgipfler, plus Pinot Noir and St. Laurent reds.
Burgenland
Located in Austria’s warm eastern plains near Hungary, Burgenland is known for rich red wines and world-class sweet wines. Its Pannonian climate, marked by hot summers and mild winters, supports grapes like Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and St. Laurent.
Notable DAC regions:
Neusiedlersee DAC – Known for Zweigelt reds and botrytized sweet wines such as Trockenbeerenauslese.
Leithaberg DAC – Produces mineral-driven Blaufränkisch and whites including Chardonnay and Weißburgunder.
Mittelburgenland DAC – Specializes in spicy, oak-aged Blaufränkisch reds.
Eisenberg DAC – Small region known for Blaufränkisch with green schist minerality.
Rosalia DAC – Produces fruity reds and rosé from Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt.
Ruster Ausbruch DAC – Historic sweet wine designation revived as DAC in 2020, producing luscious botrytized wines.
Styria
Steiermark
Styria is a mountainous zone in southern Austria recognized for its aromatic white wines and steep vineyards. It features three subregions: Südsteiermark, Weststeiermark, and Vulkanland Steiermark. The alpine climate with strong diurnal shifts preserves wine freshness and complexity.
Key subregions:
Südsteiermark DAC – Known for Sauvignon Blanc with herbal and citrus aromas, as well as Muskateller and Morillon (Chardonnay).
Weststeiermark DAC – Specializes in Schilcher rosé from Blauer Wildbacher, noted for its bright acidity and berry notes.
Vulkanland Steiermark DAC – Produces aromatic whites like Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, and Weißburgunder on volcanic soils.
Vienna
Wien
Vienna is the only capital city globally with significant wine production within city limits, featuring over 600 hectares of vineyards primarily in the hills of districts like Grinzing and Nussdorf.
Vienna is renowned for:
Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC – A traditional field blend where multiple white grape varieties are grown and harvested together, creating complex, balanced wines.
Fresh Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) are also commonly produced.
Vienna’s Heuriger wine taverns offer visitors authentic settings to enjoy local wines close to the city center.
Grape Varieties in Austria
Austria’s vineyards showcase a unique mix of indigenous and international grape varieties thriving in diverse terroirs and a cool continental climate. Austrian wines are characterized by clarity, balance, and regional expression.
White Grapes
Grüner Veltliner
The country’s flagship white grape, accounting for about one-third of vineyard plantings. Produces wines ranging from light and crisp to complex and age-worthy, with signature notes of green apple, white pepper, citrus, and herbs.
Riesling
Predominantly grown in the Wachau, Kamptal, and Kremstal regions. Austrian Rieslings are dry, mineral-driven, and elegant, featuring aromas of peach, lime, and apricot that reflect their terroir.
Welschriesling
Though unrelated to German Riesling, this grape yields fresh, floral wines with crisp acidity. It is commonly used in sparkling and sweet dessert wines, especially in Burgenland.
Pinot Blanc
Weißburgunder
An elegant variety producing subtle wines with pear, almond, and citrus notes. Often oak-aged and prevalent in Leithaberg and Styria.
Chardonnay
aka Morillon in Styria
Popular throughout Austria, sometimes labeled as Morillon in Styria. Styles range from fresh, unoaked to full-bodied, barrel-aged wines.
Sauvignon Blanc
Notably successful in Styria, producing intensely aromatic wines with gooseberry, elderflower, and herbal notes balanced by vibrant acidity.
Muskateller
Gelber Muskateller
An ancient variety producing aromatic, floral dry wines with bright acidity and pronounced grape aromas.
Neuburger
A traditional grape yielding smooth, nutty white wines with medium acidity, mainly grown in Wachau and Leithaberg.
Rotgipfler & Zierfandler
Rare indigenous varieties primarily from Thermenregion, often blended to create rich, full-bodied whites with aging potential.
Red Grapes
Zweigelt
Austria’s most widely planted red grape, a cross of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. Produces fruity, medium-bodied wines with cherry and spice notes. Often approachable but can be age-worthy.
Blaufränkisch
A top-quality native variety making structured, spicy wines with dark berry flavors and firm tannins. Prominent in Burgenland and Mittelburgenland DAC.
St. Laurent
Related to Pinot Noir but with deeper color and richer fruit. Aromatic wines with sour cherry and blackberry notes, popular in Thermenregion and Carnuntum.
Pinot Noir
Blauburgunder
Known for finesse and elegance, thriving in cooler areas like Thermenregion and northern Burgenland. Produces delicate, cherry-laced wines with earthy complexity.
Blauer Wildbacher
Grown exclusively in Weststeiermark, used to make Schilcher rosé with bright acidity and strawberry notes.
FAQs About Austria Wine
What is Austria’s most famous wine?
Austria’s signature wine is Grüner Veltliner, a crisp, food-friendly white wine known for green apple, citrus, and white pepper flavors. It is the country’s most widely planted grape and a hallmark of regions such as Wachau and Kamptal.
Is Austrian wine any good?
Yes. Austria is recognized internationally for producing high-quality wines with purity, freshness, and a strong sense of place. Its strict quality regulations and unique local grapes contribute to a standout wine culture.
Is Grüner Veltliner the same as Sauvignon Blanc?
No. Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc are distinct varieties. Grüner Veltliner is native to Austria, known for white pepper and mineral notes, while Sauvignon Blanc typically has grassy or tropical fruit aromas.
What is Austrian wine?
Austrian wine refers to wine produced within Austria’s 17 official winegrowing regions, using both indigenous and international grape varieties. The country is best known for its high-quality white wines—especially Grüner Veltliner and Riesling—but also produces excellent reds like Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt. Austrian wines are celebrated for their freshness, precision, and reflection of regional terroir.
What are DAC wines in Austria?
DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) wines conform to strict regional production rules and represent the typical style of a specific area. DAC designations help consumers identify authentic regional wines, such as Wachau DAC for Riesling or Mittelburgenland DAC for Blaufränkisch.
What types of wine is Austria known for?
Austria is best known for dry white wines, especially Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, which are crisp, mineral-driven, and expressive of terroir. The country also produces notable red wines like Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch, along with rosé, sparkling wines (Sekt), and noble sweet wines from Burgenland, such as Trockenbeerenauslese and Ruster Ausbruch.
Where are Austria’s main wine regions?
Austria’s main wine regions lie in the east and south: Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), Burgenland, Styria (Steiermark), and Vienna (Wien). Each region features unique terroirs and specialties.
Can you visit wineries in Austria?
Yes. Wine tourism is popular with many wineries offering tastings, tours, and regional cuisine. Notable routes include the Wachau Valley, South Styrian Wine Road, and Burgenland’s lake region. Harvest festivals and vineyard hikes provide seasonal experiences.
What is Schilcher wine?
Schilcher is a distinctive rosé from Weststeiermark, made from Blauer Wildbacher grapes. It is known for its vivid pink color, high acidity, and red berry flavors. Schilcher is often enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with Styrian dishes.